Every year on Patriot’s Day, thousands of runners line the Hopkinton start line, each for different reasons. For some, it’s trying to complete the pinnacle of their running journey, while for others, it’s honoring a loved one and raising money for a cause close to their hearts.
For Dawn DeLuca, it’s about many things, but most importantly, it’s checking something off her bucket list.
“I always say people should have a bucket list and live life to the fullest because you never know. And unfortunately, I’ve learned the hard way that life can change instantly. And [running the Boston Marathon] has always been on my bucket list.”
Dawn certainly has learned that lesson more than anyone should have. Just months after having another operation as part of her cancer treatment, Dawn will be part of Team JAF, running for the Joe Andruzzi Foundation(JAF) at the 2025 Boston Marathon.
Dawn’s journey and connection to JAF dates back to 2015, when she was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Once undergoing chemotherapy treatments, she was forced to stop working. Her disability insurance only provided a percentage of her income, and after being out of work for a year, things started to get tight. As an ICU nurse, Dawn is usually the one helping people, not the other way around. At first, she didn’t want the help. But a social worker delivered an important message to Dawn. “You have helped so many people over your career in a time of need. Why don’t you let somebody help you for once?”
So eventually, Dawn was connected to the Joe Andruzzi Foundation, which helped pay Dawn’s mortgage. It was then that Dawn said to her husband, “Once I’m back to work and financially back on my feet and stable, I’m going to pay it forward.”
And that she has done time and time again. For the last nine years, Dawn has been a huge supported of JAF, helping to raise money for the Foundation through word of mouth, Falmouth Road Race runs, attending the Annual Gala, organizing an annual ‘Play for the Cure’ field hockey game put on by her hometown high school, and much more. The knowledge of how the Foundation helps patients has kept bringing Dawn back.
“I always tell people, ‘When I tell you you’re raising money and you’re donating [to JAF], this goes directly to patients in need.’ That, to me, is so satisfying…I know it’s going to people who need it.”
It’s not just that Dawn has done all this work and tried to pay it forward. It’s remarkable because she has done it while continuing her battle. Since she was initially diagnosed in 2015, that journey has been what feels like a constant worry, never being in remission for more than two years. Since 2021, she’s had stage four cancer. Dawn understands more than most people what the patient needs and how a night away can be meaningful. She recalls one JAF event and the chance to feel normal:
“I actually got to go to a Bruins game…and for one night…it wasn’t cancer talk. It wasn’t going to Boston to [get treatment]. No, it was going to Boston to go to the Bruins game. You know, and I like that piece with [JAF]. You try to keep people’s lives as normal as possible and give them joy, even for a day or two. That’s huge for me, too.”
No matter what she’s personally going through, Dawn continues trying to help people. And now that journey is the Boston Marathon. Despite having surgery in December for what turned out to be cancerous lung nodules, she’s eased her way into training and is ready to complete this item on her bucket list. She’s run Falmouth Road Races, 5Ks, 10Ks, and half marathons, but this will be her first full marathon. But as she’s quick to point out, she’s been through worse:
“I always say when I’m running. I’ve been through much harder things; I fight for my life every day. I have been down and out like bad, and [now] you’re healthy enough to run. [I say] come on, let’s go.”
No matter what happens, Dawn’s already won her journey. She’s paid it forward far more than most. And knowing she has raised nearly $30,000 for this run, all going to the Joe Andruzzi Foundation, she’s satisfied.
“I want to finish, but I don’t care what my time is. I just want to finish, and I just want to have fun. I want to take it all in. People, my coworkers, my friends, they’re all going to be there. It’s going to be a huge thing. I know it’s going to be very emotional for me… I’ve come so far; three months ago, I could barely breathe after surgery. I’m just so motivated, and I can’t wait. And the fact that we’ve raised a lot of money, it’s such a good feeling.”
If you are out on the streets on Monday, April 21, for the 129th running of the Boston Marathon, Dawn shouldn’t be hard to find amongst the thousands of runners. She will be the one with the beautiful smile, dogged determination, and incredible grace as she carries the torch for so many who cannot run, and she reaches a personal goal a long time in the making. And, if you see Dawn out there, give an extra cheer and wave of encouragement. She’s carrying more on her shoulders than most that day. Let her know we’re all with her every step of the way.